Gis Fundamentals

With GIS technology increasingly available to a wider audience on devices from apps on smartphones to satnavs in cars, many people routinely use spatial data in a way which used to be the preserve of GIS specialists. However spatial data is stored and analyzed on a computer still tends to be described in academic texts and articles which require specialist knowledge or some training in computer science. Developed to introduce computer science literature to geography students, GIS Fundamentals, Second Edition provides an accessible examination of the underlying principles for anyone with no formal training in computer science. See What’s New in the Second Edition: Coverage of the use of spatial data on the Internet Chapters on databases and on searching large databases for spatial queries Improved coverage on route-finding Improved coverage of heuristic approaches to solving real-world spatial problems International standards for spatial data The book begins with a brief but detailed introduction to how computers work and how they are programmed, giving anyone with no previous computer science background a foundation to understand the remainder of the book. As with all parts of the book there are also suggestions for further sources of reading. The book then describes the ways in which vector and raster data can be stored and how algorithms are designed to perform fundamental operations such as detecting where lines intersect. From these simple beginnings the book moves into the more complex structures used for handling surfaces and networks and contains a detailed account of what it takes to determine the shortest route between two places on a network. The final sections of the book review problems, such as the "Travelling Salesman" problem, which are so complex that it is not known whether an optimum solution exists. Using clear, concise language, but without sacrificing technical rigour, the book gives readers an understanding of what it takes to produce systems which allow them to find out where to make their next purchase and how to drive to the right place to collect it.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are computer systems for storing, displaying and analyzing spatial data. The past twenty years have seen a rapid growth in their use in government, commerce and academia, and they can be used for managing a network of utilities, from handling census data through to planning the location of a new supermarket. But how do they work? Stephen Wise has been a regular contributor to GeoEurope and his 'Back to Basics' articles have provided a clear and simple introduction to the inner workings of GIS for a non-specialist audience. He now presents the original articles with new material and provides a new coverage of both major types of GIS: vector and raster systems. Undergraduates and professionals who wish to improve their knowledge of GIS should get a better understanding of how GIS operate in the way that they do, such as how spatial data is stored on a computer, how the different methods affect the capabilities of the GIS, how basic operations performed and how the choice of algorithm affects the speed of the system.

Combining GIS concepts and fundamental spatial thinking methodology with real programming examples, this book introduces popular Python-based tools and their application to solving real-world problems. It elucidates the programming constructs of Python with its high-level toolkits and demonstrates its integration with ArcGIS Theory. Filled with hands-on computer exercises in a logical learning workflow this book promotes increased interactivity between instructors and students while also benefiting professionals in the field with vital knowledge to sharpen their programming skills. Readers receive expert guidance on modules, package management, and handling shapefile formats needed to build their own mini-GIS. Comprehensive and engaging commentary, robust contents, accompanying datasets, and classroom-tested exercises are all housed here to permit users to become competitive in the GIS/IT job market and industry.

Geographic Information Systems or popularly known as GIS has been developing it's roots since the role of remote sensing has increased. It spreads it's branches to civil engineering, geosciences, forestry, disaster mitigation, ecology and environment and various other fields. The book explains the concepts of GIS in a simple language. Topics like development of GIS, data structures, database concepts, map projections, requirement of hardware and software for implementing GIS, errors and removing errors, advanced analysis are a few s to be named which find place in this book.

Geographic information in decision making often goes unnoticed, but it is actually very present in our daily activities. Our eBook Fundamentals of GIS: Applications with ArcGIS shows the potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for geoprocessing and mapping using ArcGIS. This book is designed in a didactic and sequential way, as we advance in the development of the exercises we will acquire and improve our skills in the use of GIS tools, until we get to the publication of a well edited map. When the exercises in this book are completed and developed, the user will be able to fully understand the fundamentals of GIS, and the use of its main tools to generate maps. This is a book that will teach you from scratch and step by step the use of GIS for your professional projects.

Geographical Information Systems - Representing Geography History and Development of GIS GISs Roots in Cartography Spatial Data Structure and Models The Nature and Source of Geographic Data GIS and the Real World Model Basic Data Models in GIS Advanced Data Models Geographic Query and Analysis Selection of a GIS The future of GIS GIS Project Design and Management.